On February 1, the Plenary Session of the Supreme Court was symbolic to a certain extent because it was the first one for the youngest Latvian senator Janis Neimanis and the last for the oldest senator Roberts Guntis Namatēvs.

The Saeima (Parliament) sustained the release of the senator Roberts Guntis Namatēvs of the Supreme Court from the position because the law “On Judicial Power” states the age limit for judges – 70 years, with a possibility to prolong it up to 75 years. The term of office of Namatevs was prolonged, however, on February 3 he becomes 75.

R. Namatevs has spent 43 years in the position of a judge, 32 of which – in the Supreme Court. The Chief Justice Andris Guļāns awarding the senator the Diploma of the Supreme Court acknowledged that Namatēvs is respected by his colleagues not only for his experience, professionalism and honesty, but also for his humanity. Senator Namatēvs has always been open to changes and innovations in law. He worked as a lecturer in the University of Latvia, the Judicial Training Center, and held a position of a member of the Judicial Qualification Panel and the Judicial Disciplinary Panel. A. Guļāns expressed hope that R. Namatēvs even having left his position will find a possibility to be of service for the Supreme Court, and the colleagues will have a chance to make use of his experience and advice in future, as well.

In 2007, Roberts Guntis Namatēvs received the title of the Man of the Year of the Supreme Court and the Themis Award what is the highest acknowledgement of distinction for a person who, as it is said in the Regulations, is respected and who the Supreme Court may be proud of. In 2007, R. Namatēvs received also the I grade Diploma of the Ministry of Justice and the “golden” pen – acknowledgement for contribution in strengthening of the rule of law and development of unified court practice in Latvia.
 

Information prepared by Division of Communications of the Supreme Court

Author: Rasma Zvejniece, Manager of the Division of Communications of the Supreme Court

E-mail: rasma.zvejniece@at.gov.lv, telephone: 7020396, 28652211